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Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder in Sports–Beyond Superstitions

Carla D. Edwards
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Carla D. Edwards
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Affiliations

  • Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, West 5th Campus, Administration B3, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada

Correspondence

  • Corresponding author. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 10b Victoria Street South, Kitchener, ON N2G 1C5.
, MSc, MD, FRCPCa,∗,'Correspondence information about the author MSc, MD, FRCPC Carla D. Edwards
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Carla D. Edwards
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Affiliations

  • Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, West 5th Campus, Administration B3, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada

Correspondence

  • Corresponding author. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 10b Victoria Street South, Kitchener, ON N2G 1C5.
,
Cindy Miller Aron
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Cindy Miller Aron
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Affiliations

  • Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
  • Ascend Consultation in Healthcare/Illinois Sports Performance Center, 737 North Michigan Avenue Suite 1925, Chicago IL 60611, USA
, LCSW, CGP, FAGPAb,c
Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder in Sports–Beyond Superstitions
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypsc.2023.03.002

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Figures

Fig. 1

Photograph of damage to Maya’s hands resultant from behaviors related to obsessive-compulsive disorder. The background has been blurred to remove potentially identifying features.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in elite athletes can hide in plain sight. Unique stressors and the culture of sport (including socially acceptable superstitions and rituals) can create adaptive and maladaptive behaviors, which may conceal the presence of an illness. Superstitions, routines, and peculiar behaviors in sports are distinguishable from the features of OCD. OCD is a distinct mental health condition with potentially debilitating consequences for those afflicted, including athletes. Common comorbidities with and overlapping features with eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, and perfectionism may complicate identification and treatment. Interference by OCD symptoms in the functioning of an athlete can result in physical danger to the athlete, significant disruption in the training environment, and negative performance outcomes. Early detection and a comprehensive approach to management may mitigate the development of more severe pathology.

Keywords:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Athlete, Sport, Mental health, Obsessions, Compulsions

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